Palatine Amateur Football Association Still Accepting Registration

At its inception, football was a combination of the games of rugby and soccer, and the official development of American Football is usually attributed to the changes made to the game of rugby by Walter Camp.  Camp was a student of medicine and business at Yale who excelled in sports like track, baseball and soccer, earning varsity letters in every sport offered at Yale. He was the driving force behind the creation of American Football as we know it and rule changes including reducing the number of players on the field from 15 to 11 per team, and the institution of the downs and distance system of ball movement.  He also invented the positions of quarterback and center, and the all-important snap between these players.

From these beginnings, football has grown to be one of the most popular sports in America; and the Super Bowl is one of the most watched television events in the United States each year.

Many of the NFL stars who play in the biggest game of the year began playing in youth football leagues in their hometowns.  Palatine is lucky to have one of the largest area youth football organizations right here in town:  Palatine Amateur Football Association, better known as PAFA.  PAFA is an organized, full-contact youth travel football program for children in grades 3 through 8 (ages 8 to 14 as of September 1, 2012). The Palatine Panthers season begins in early August with practices.  Home and away games are played on weekends from August through October, and the season ends with playoff and championship games in November.  One of the highlights each year is Panther Homecoming – a weekend of celebration for the kids and families of PAFA. Division placement in PAFA is determined by the player’s age and weight, and there are two levels of competition in each division. The Big Ten level is more competitive and equal play, while encouraged, is not mandatory in the older age groups.  The Pac Ten level is considered to be more developmental.  This level has an excess score rule, and coaches are required to provide equal play time for all participants. Registration for the PAFA football program is still being accepted by Palatine Park District until equipment hand out on June 9.

Another component of PAFA is the popular PAFA Cheer and Flags organization. PAFA Cheer is for girls in grades 3 to 8 and the program has a primary focus on teaching sideline cheers and halftime routines along with teamwork and respect in preparation for junior high and high school cheer.  PAFA Flags is for girls in grades 6 to 8 with a primary focus on teaching halftime routines in preparation for high school flags.  Finally, the newest member of the PAFA cheer family is PAFA Poms.  While regular registration has already ended for these programs, new participants can register with the payment of a late registration fee.

For younger football players, Palatine Park District offers a Youth Pee Wee Flag Football League for children in grades K through 2 as of September 1, 2012.  The program emphasizes the fundamentals of flag football, sportsmanship, teamwork and fun.  Practices begin the week of August 27, and games will be played from September 8 through October 27 on the Falcon Park Recreation Center Turf.

A great way to get ready for the football season is with one of Palatine Park District’s football camps.  Summer Football Camp is a non-padded, non-contact camp offered by Lou Sponsel and the Fremd Coaching Staff from June 11 through June 22 for children entering grades 3 to 6 in the fall.  Older players can register for the 7th and 8th Grade Football Camp held at Fremd High School from June 25 to July 5. 

To try the sport that started it all, come to the Touch Rugby Clinic on Monday, June 18 at Sycamore Park.  This non-contact clinic will introduce participants ages 8 to 13 to the international sport of rugby.  Ball handling, running, kicking and rules of the game will be covered.  Pre-registration is required using code 4120-2. After seeing what rugby is all about at the free clinic, you are welcome to sign up for the Rookie Rugby Camp taking place from June 25 to July 19.  Camp will be held Mondays and Thursdays from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. 

For more information on any of these programs affiliated with the Palatine Park District, contact the registration department at 847-991-0333. Or visit www.palatinepanthers.com or www.pafacheerandflags.com.

The Palatine Park District is a separate municipal governing agency established for the purpose of providing parks, facilities and recreational programs for the community.  The Park District is responsible for the maintenance, operation and administration of parks and parks facilities under its jurisdiction. Our mission is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable and affordable parks and recreation facilities and activities that will enhance the quality of life by promoting good health and well-being for all residents and visitors of the Palatine Park District. 

Blog author, Joan Scovic, is the Marketing and Sponsorship Coordinator for Palatine Park District.  For sponsorship opportunities, call (847) 496-6287 or email jscovic@palatineparks.org.

Like us on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/palatineparks
Follow us on Twitter:  www.twitter.com/palatinepd
Visit us online:  www.palatineparks.org